Massachusetts Medical Society Opposes Medical Marijuana

BOSTON (AP) — The state’s largest doctors’ organization is taking a stand against a proposed ballot question that would allow marijuana use for medical reasons.

The Massachusetts Medical Society approved a resolution at its annual meeting this past weekend opposing legalization of medicinal marijuana without scientific studies proving it would be safe and effective.

The organization’s House of Delegates also backed a second resolution opposing any legislation that would involve doctors prescribing marijuana to patients except for scientific studies or clinical trials.

The group representing about 24,000 doctors did call on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to reclassify marijuana to permit more studies on its possible medical benefits.

The question proposed for the November state ballot would allow patients with debilitating medical conditions to get permission from their doctors to use marijuana.